Depression Counseling in Gardena, CA.

Sadness vs. Depression? Which is it? Treatable YES! Everyone feels sad or 'blue' on occassion. People tend to grieve over a loss, but usually, the feelings of grief tend to lessen over time. Depression occurs when feelings of extreme sadness or despair last for at least 2 weeks or longer and tend to interfere with activities of everyday living. Deperessed feelings include helplessness, hopelessness and even thoughts of death and possibly suicide. People with these feelings may feel overwhelmed. Causes may be from body chemistry which influence mood and thought. Chronic illness can accompany depression. Start feeling better. Give me a call and make an appointment now. Dr. Sobo

Depression often results following some type of loss. However, often it is not the loss itself that causes the depression, but the person's assessment and thoughts about the loss that produces feelings of depression. Cognitive therapy, as practiced by Dr. Levine, can help reverse such clinical depression. It is normal to feel sadness following a loss or unexpected negative life event and cognitive therapy is frequently an excellent method for insuring that normal sadness does not morph into clinical depression. If medication or TMS might help in addition to therapy, Dr. Levine can help direct you to a competent psychopharmacologist to provide this additional assistance, if you choose.

If you or your child / adolescent are suffering with symptoms of depression such as, loss of interest in activities, low self-worth, and mood changes then I would like to help. Untreated depression can negatively impact relationships, productivity, physical and mental well-being. Whether you understand the root cause of your depression or are unsure of why you are struggling, therapy can be the start you need to move towards healing.

I work with a depressed nervous system by working with the body. Often we struggle to sleep, eat, or accomplish relatively simple tasks. Our bodies are stuck with the brake on. When our body thinks it is futile, out mind follows quickly thereafter and we begin to tell ourselves how pointless things are and how worthless we are. I work with the whole body to re-regulate the body to enable you to get back to a whole integrated self.

Do you feel depressed? Sadness? Do you get less enjoyment out of activities you used to enjoy? When depression takes over your thoughts and behaviors, it can make you feel like you don't know yourself anymore. I can help you develop the ability to recognize, accept, and cope with feelings of depression. I can help you alleviate your depressed mood and return to your previous level of functioning. I can help you develop healthy thoughts and beliefs about yourself and the world to not only alleviate your depression, but also regain your true gifts and talents. Want less stress and more happiness in your life? Call, click or text (949)791-7127 today to get started. Call/text 24/7.

Over 17 million people suffer with depression every year. Feeling sad, irritable or unsettled can impact relationships, work productivity and everyday functioning. Still, depression is a highly treatable problem. With a full understanding of the origin and symptoms, the right treatment plan can help to guide you in a direction that gives you more hope for your future. Therapy will uncover what created the depression, as well as prevent it from reoccurring in the future.

Working with the experience of depression is much more than changing our thoughts to change our behavior. Our brains are wired to notice the negative; it's part of our survival. I support my clients in expanding what they notice, and help them discover what works for them by creating a tool kit through experiential relational interventions in session. When I see children, I utilize play therapy as the modality, including Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy. When working with adolescents and adults, I utilize expressive arts, DBT, CBT and Narrative Therapy.

Depression has a way of taking away our zest for life, our sense of vitality, and even sometimes our will to live. I begin my work in depression treatment with a thorough assessment of not just the number of symptoms of depression but as importantly the quality of the depression. Depression that stems from guilt has a different feel than that which stems from shame. I observe and interact with my clients and I provide my observations back to them for their assessment and collaboration in this very engaged and intimate process of identification. I make note of how my client is feeling during these conversations and I make my observations and senses my guides in treating depressive feelings.

Depression is a particularly cruel and insidious companion, often working in tandem with other problems to try to silence us, to steal joy and passion, and to convince us of our uselessness. Depression may try to convince us that there is one truth - our own unworthiness - to the exclusion of all others. Together we will challenge depression's version of your story.

In treating mood problems, the most important piece in collaborating is to find rays of hope in your life. What did you love to do before that you no longer enjoy? What are/were your interests in life? Who are the people in your life you want to feel closer to? What are your strengths? How can we interupt habitual feelings of hopelessnes, by changing the way you think about triggers that lead you to depressed feelings? How can we challenge negative or unrealistic thinking? With sensitive, open communication in sessins, we can find answers to these questions that can curtail habitual depressive thought and feelings. Coping skills can be taught and mastered.

When you’re depressed it makes life feel like you’re walking through mud, everything is more difficult and tiring and you feel less motivated to do anything. This can make depression incredibly difficult to deal with because it requires taking action to overcome. I have personal and professional experience in recovery from this unpleasant disorder, which gives me an edge and helping people to heal from depression.

As a therapist, I approach depression with compassion, collaboration, and a deep understanding that it looks different for everyone. My goal is to help you feel seen, understood, and supported, not just as a set of symptoms, but as a whole person. I create a safe space where we can explore the root causes of your depression, build emotional resilience, and reconnect you with a sense of meaning and purpose. Together, we’ll work at your pace to develop practical tools that support lasting change.

People who have depression have problems thinking, acting, behaving, and even getting through the day. Sometimes, depression can feel as though one is living in a black hole, like an ever-present sense of impending doom looming over them. Some adolescents and adults who have depression don’t feel sadness at all – they may feel empty, angry, and apathetic about their world. I offer life-altering care for adolescents and adults struggling with depression and other challenges in a safe, serene, and confidential environment. I understand that depression treatment is never a one-size-fits-all approach, so I spend the necessary time evaluating and getting to know each adolescent and adult I meet in order to develop a plan of care that meets all their needs. I...(view profile to read more)